The candidates - vying to represent the Bristol and Norfolk district which includes Attleboro, Mansfield, Norton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Foxborough, Medfield, Sharon and Walpole - took the stage at Medfield High School as part of a forum organized by Medfield TV.

Feeney, a Democrat from Foxborough, was elected to the seat last year, having defeated Ventura in a special election after state Sen. James Timilty resigned his position to become Norfolk County treasurer. Feeney spoke of the many listening sessions he had held in the district in that time.

"To be an effective senator, one must listen more than one speaks," he said.

Ventura, a Republican from Attleboro, discussed how he had helped constituents - working to obtain handicapped access ramps, get needed licenses for businesses and garner funding for crosswalks - as a staffer in the state House of Representatives.

"We will work in a bipartisan manner to strengthen communities and promote a great business climate," he said.

When asked whether he supported a ballot question regarding nurse staffing, Ventura said he believed the measure would place an undue burden on the healthcare system. Conservative estimates, he said, put the costs associated with the move at $676 million to $949 million.

"The approach is 'one size fits all' - I don't think it would work in smaller community hospitals," he said. "Having that staffing ratio, I think, would cripple certain budgets."

Feeney said he felt the healthcare system was broken, and that he supported the ballot question as a way to provide better care to patients.

"I think the ballot petition process leaves a lot to be desired, (but) the Legislature had the opportunity to (address the issue), and they didn't," he said.

Ventura said the US was one of the few nations in the world that provides its citizens with the right to bear arms.

"At the end of the day, it's about public safety," he said. "We can protect people's rights while also maintaining public safety."

A question about whether President Trump, because of his tone and language, bore some responsibility for a shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue sparked argument between the candidates. Ventura said he rejected that notion.

"This is a tragic incident, and we send prayers to the families of those involved," he said. "With regard to Trump, his rhetoric is sometimes off the wall."

Feeney said he was "heartbroken" over the issue.

"Do I think the president bears some responsibility? Absolutely," he said. "He empowers people who want to do damage and harm."

On a question regarding mental health, Feeney said the Trump administration's tone contributed to anxiety in the country, and that the president spoke in ways that devalued people.

"I'm thrilled to be a champion of a workplace bullying bill," he said. "We've had alarming rates of suicide among workers because they've been bullied in the workplace."

Ventura said he felt mental health was a pressing need that must be addressed, and that the state should lead the nation in its approach to such care.

The two clashed on a question regarding same-day voter registration. Ventura said while he hopes to see higher voter turnout such a change could pose a security threat to the system. Feeney said it was not easy for some to register before the deadline, and that the state has done a good job securing its system from threats.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-316-2809 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.